Having healthy roots

BethanySMC - Thursday, 12 April 2012 10:26

Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. Mark 4:3-6

Have you ever wondered why so many, who once responded to the voice of God, have turned their backs toward him? Why are there so little converts who remain as Christians after they have prayed the sinner’s prayer? After 3.5 years of preaching, miracles and ministry of our Lord Jesus – from all the multitude of followers, why was there only a few who were found by the cross? Why is it that the Christian faith that once excited and changed lives, can later be rejected, compromised and forsaken?

I believe the answers to such questions in some extent lay in these scriptures Mar.4:17 many have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. Many who are yet to be offended and reject the faith rely upon something external. A tree with no roots can appear healthy for some time if it is supported by garden sticks – is an example of believers who are still in the faith only because they have someone to lean upon. Maybe it’s their parents, or a devoted family member who ignites the fire and keeps them going. Maybe it’s the setting in the church that they are in, ministry that they are involved in keeps them in the faith. They like to be in a crowd. A church setting or youth group or other activities with exciting things going on are perhaps the only “garden sticks” that hold them in faith.

My friend if these are the reasons why you come to church or call yourself a Christian, I’m afraid you have no roots. Would your attitude change toward Christ and the Bible if you are in an ungodly environment? With no like-minded friends, siblings, no church as you are used to, no ministers that come up with new sermons every service, no exciting activities, no lights or drums?

External things will not keep you for long. A person who depends on his surroundings changes when his/her surrounding is changed. We must have healthy roots in order to finish our journey victoriously. The worst thing ever is to be devoted, to know the truth, to be so close to heaven and then turn back. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 2Pe.2:21

There are of course reasons why roots oftentimes do not go down deep. Such roots grow when we take the time to know God personally – our secret prayers, secret tears of repentance, communion with Jesus one on one, eating the bread of life and feeding your soul form the word of God are the essentials elements that contribute to the health of our spiritual roots.

Another aspect of healthy roots is to know the truth and doctrines. In your life you will hear so much preaching. If you have no roots – you can believe any lie including the devil himself because even he can appear as an angel of light!

Personal convictions are another type of roots that go down deep and hold strong. If you know the author of The Holy Bible, you will have no problem believing it. Every true Christian must know why they believe and what they believe in. If you like only external Christianity, it is probably too much for you to go that deep, as to form godly convictions.

Last fall I pruned my fruit trees in my backyard and put some branches into the ground. During the winter they remained alive and when spring came they budded – they indeed looked like little fruit trees – however, as the weather warmed up, I see them drying up day after day – why? Because they have no roots!!!

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 12th, 2012 at 10:26 pm and is filed under Devotionals, Faith.
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